Top cop defends state police protecting ICE, Vermonters

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At Gov. Phil Scott’s press conference Wednesday March 18, Public Safety Commissioner Jen Morrison defended the role of state and local police last Wednesday at an ICE raid of a South Burlington home.

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Categories: Public Safety, Video

Jen is in a difficult position. Yes, the police officers, were working to support safety and protection to all involved from protesters that many were engaged in harassment, physical confrontation, and unlawful assembly. None of which the higher authority were prepared or willing to respond appropriately. That is very concerning.

Officers directed to down scale responses with lack of proper equipment, alternative uniforms supporting protective gear, like helmets and shields. Placed officers in very vulnerable positions, all to avoid criticism by members of the public and politicians.

Either it was lack of appropriate response coordination, or the lack of training in crowd control, or the leadership tying the hands of those responding, to scale down visible appearance, and avoid making any arrest unless they were of a higher level of assault….

No one dare or without fear of micro management could do anything, but use or relate to physical force when attacked or had to put hands on to remove rioters from roadways blocking exits.

It these departments came under another real professional National Standard of Accreditation review, they would fail miserably…

Lack of training? Lack of proper equipment with response? lack of proper planing and coordination with responding agencies? And most clearly unresolved issues in an after action report, that fails to identify, the communities government leaders role in creating this negative environment.

This leaves all involved directly responsible that if another situation was to occur, it’s clear it will also prove to be a negative outcome, unless professionals come together, training is provided, equipment is made available, politicians let law enforcement do their jobs.

This incident reminded me of the sixties, before real reform came about in police training and understanding. And now we’re back to blaming the officer on the street.

1 reply »

Thomas Fraga says:

March 19, 2026 at 10:25 am

Jen is in a difficult position. Yes, the police officers, were working to support safety and protection to all involved from protesters that many were engaged in harassment, physical confrontation, and unlawful assembly. None of which the higher authority were prepared or willing to respond appropriately. That is very concerning.

Officers directed to down scale responses with lack of proper equipment, alternative uniforms supporting protective gear, like helmets and shields. Placed officers in very vulnerable positions, all to avoid criticism by members of the public and politicians.

Either it was lack of appropriate response coordination, or the lack of training in crowd control, or the leadership tying the hands of those responding, to scale down visible appearance, and avoid making any arrest unless they were of a higher level of assault….

No one dare or without fear of micro management could do anything, but use or relate to physical force when attacked or had to put hands on to remove rioters from roadways blocking exits.

It these departments came under another real professional National Standard of Accreditation review, they would fail miserably…

Lack of training? Lack of proper equipment with response? lack of proper planing and coordination with responding agencies? And most clearly unresolved issues in an after action report, that fails to identify, the communities government leaders role in creating this negative environment.

This leaves all involved directly responsible that if another situation was to occur, it’s clear it will also prove to be a negative outcome, unless professionals come together, training is provided, equipment is made available, politicians let law enforcement do their jobs.

This incident reminded me of the sixties, before real reform came about in police training and understanding. And now we’re back to blaming the officer on the street.

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